Tiny pins, tiny needles, tiny stitches, and extremely tiny thread. On this vacation, I brought along a couple of my Dresden Plates to applique onto background squares. I haven't done any applique for going on a year, so I was a bit apprehensive as to how quick I could get up to speed.
Well, I am telling you, it beats the heck out of embroidery. I was flying along sewing down these Dresden units! I am using a teensy applique needle, my miniscule applique pins, and thread that is about as fine as a spiders silk. You can't help but take itty bitty stitches with this thread, I am telling you. I finished one entire plate in about a half hour or so, and the stitches are practically invisible.
I am loving it!
I finished up a Birdie Stitches block as well, and that took ever so much longer to do. It seems as if it takes me longer to get my mojo back when I start up my embroidery after letting it sit for awhile. This block did turn out pretty cute though. Adorable flowers.
Have a great weekend everyone. Hope the sun is shining where you are and your family is near by.
I had no idea there were small applique needles and tiny pins out there for those in the know. Thanks! How do you see the thread??
Perhaps I should prepare Birdie Stitches blocks to take when I visit FIL? It would beat the heck out of doing nothing. Wonder if I could quickly decide on border fabrics or if I'd have to try this and that fabric ad infinitum?
Today we won't visit at the rehab center as we've all but lost the strawberries to the weeds in the last 10 days.
Happy weekend to you, too, and happy trails to y'all if you're headed home!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | June 15, 2012 at 06:05 AM
Isn't it fun to do a variety of crafts. I am embroiderying redwork quilt blocks and hand quilting a stained glass runner - different techniques but both equally satisfying.
Posted by: CarlaHR | June 15, 2012 at 06:12 AM
I love applique, and I LOVE my Roxanne thimble! I haven't run across many people who even know what it is, never mind have one in their picture!!
Posted by: Katie | June 15, 2012 at 06:45 AM
Oh my...can't wait to see more of your Dresden quilt top! I quilted a birdie stitches quilt earlier this year that quilt will be darling!
Posted by: Mary | June 15, 2012 at 06:58 AM
Both pieces are adorable!!
Posted by: LoriD | June 15, 2012 at 07:02 AM
I loved sewing my Dresden plates down - you are right, it goes so quickly and looks great! And, like you, my Birdie Stitches is s-l-o-w! o:)
Posted by: Denise in PA | June 15, 2012 at 07:12 AM
Beautiful hand work! :O) Thanks for the tips on the appliqué supplies! I didn't know there were teensy tiny pins for this! And the idea of silk to appliqué with - sounds great!
Posted by: Bari Jo | June 15, 2012 at 11:57 AM
I have been hand appliquing my peels that I took apart and put back together. It is so fun and gives you something to do that isn't at the machine. Perfect for being social while my husband is flipping through the channels. Why. Do. They. Do. That. Urgh!!!
Posted by: Pam | June 15, 2012 at 06:02 PM
I love your birdie and dresden blocks! Glad the thread worked so well :)
Posted by: Anita | June 15, 2012 at 09:54 PM
Such cute blocks! Can't wait to get back to doing some piecing/applique/quilting after going thru this fabric stash organizing! Have a great week-end Nicole!
Posted by: Sherry | June 15, 2012 at 10:07 PM
And a tiny thimble! You could fit two of those in mine. Your work is so pretty and the embroidery just plain fun to look at.
Posted by: Teresa | June 20, 2012 at 01:16 PM